vagadminGirls and women have so many questions about their periods before and after they start. Even though it’s an entirely natural event for all healthy women and girls, there are a lot of myths and issues that cloud this truly fantastic transition into womanhood. Here are some common questions asked about periods.
At what age should I start my period?
Everyone is different, but most girls start their period around the age of 12 to 13, although some start earlier and some start later. Each person develops at their rate.
How often will I get my period?
Most women are slightly irregular at first, but it’s more than likely that your period will come every 21 to 40 days within the first year.
How long will my period last?
For most women, their period will last an average of five days; however, some people bleed much more prolonged and some shorter. Expect 3 to 8 days to start.
What is an excellent way to track my period?
You can use a calendar on your smartphone or even just a paper calendar on your wall. Just mark the day you start and the day you end. But you can also get an app for your phone.
What personal care products should I purchase for my period?
There are many choices available today for your period. What you use depends on what you are comfortable with. You may want to experiment and try different items. There are pads, special panties, tampons, reusable cloths, period cups, and more from which to choose.
How often should I change my pad or tampon?
How frequently you change your pad, tampon, or empty your period cup depends on your level of flow. However, for most women using a tampon longer than 5 or 6 hours is not recommended due to the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). For this reason, it may be better to use an alternative method while sleeping.
Is it dangerous for teenage girls to use tampons?
Tampons are not hazardous for teenagers any more than they are for older women. There are different concerns about tampons due to the (low) risk of introducing bacteria which can cause acute septicemia (TSS) in women.
What should I do about period pain?
If you notice period pain, you can take over-the-counter medications at the proper doses per your doctor’s instructions. However, don’t be afraid to talk to your parents and a doctor about your pain, which may help. Otherwise, try resting, using a heating pad on your tummy or lower back, drinking plenty of water, and not overdoing it.
How do I know if I am bleeding too much?
Menorrhagia, which is heavy menstrual bleeding, is determined if you soak through (or flood) your pad or tampon sooner than you would normally. Usually, it’s an emergency for you to get to the bathroom to take care of it when this happens. Suppose this happens even once you should talk to your doctor about it. Call your doctor right away if you soak through more than three pads in an hour or two.
What do I do if it happens at school?
The truth is, it will happen at school, eventually. If it’s not your first time, it will happen another time. Once you are showing signs of puberty, start carrying pads with you. If you can keep an extra set of clothing in your locker to be ready, that will give you peace of mind. Don’t be afraid to speak to your female teachers if you need help or speak to the nurse if you have one. The thing to remember is that this is a normal part of being a female.
The thing to remember is that a period is a normal thing to have. It’s a good sign that you are healthy for your sexual and reproductive years, should you choose to have children. If you have any questions about your period, ask your trusted adults (parents, doctors, teachers) for help.